Beitbridge company celebrates a decade of service

WHEN BRIAN Kalshoven was retrenched 11 years ago after more than 18 years in the freight forwarding industry, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to him.
It was the catalyst for the official launch on February 1, 1992 of Beitbridge Border Clearing Agency (BBCA) which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary.
The company's current status as one of the biggest clearing agencies in Beitbridge is however a far cry from its humble beginnings.
Kalshoven used R10 000 of his R13 000 retrenchment package to put up a Customs bond. He bought a fourth-hand caravan, stripped the contents and converted it into an office with one air conditioner, a photocopier and a fax machine. That was the start for the company which is now based in the agents' building at Beitbridge.
In its first month of
trading, BBCA issued seven invoices totalling R365.
"Business improved and increased and the staff complement has moved through the 20 member mark, a far cry from the three starters," says Kalshoven, who believes that despite the political and economic upheaval in Zimbabwe, the company is well placed for growth.
Strong on staff training, Kalshoven himself holds a FIATA Certificate in Freight Forwarding and is an accredited facilitator of SDS's Customs clearing courses. English literacy courses have also been implemented in the company with much success, says Kalshoven.
A significant development last year was the launch of BBCA Komatipoort, headed up by Riaan le Roux.
"That too in its short life has gone from strength to strength and looks likely to follow the parent company's growth."